BATTING hero Andrew Strauss led the celebrations after England extended their winning Test run to a record eight matches.

Strauss marked his debut earlier this year with a century against New Zealand, and his 220 runs against South Africa in the opening Test paved the way to today's eighth successive victory - a new England record.

He has played in each of the eight Tests and appropriately struck the winning runs today, adding 94 not out to his first-innings 126.

"It's been a great eight Test matches. In every Test match someone else has contributed," Strauss said on Sky Sports 2, after England wrapped up a seven-wicket win in Port Elizabeth.

"They bowled very well yesterday but it was the sort of wicket that if you got in and spent some time, you could do well and fortunately I was able to do well.

"It's gone really well. I have felt in pretty good form in every match. It's good to play alongside some very good cricketers, it rubs off on you when you come into the side.

"Over eight Test matches, eight different batsmen have scored 100 and that shows the depth we have got. Hopefully it will continue for the rest of the series."

Strauss explained why, with clouds looming beyond the stands and just 49 runs needed, it was important to score at a rapid rate this morning.

"We felt as though once we got below 30-odd we should try to finish it as quickly as possible, with one eye on the weather - it looked a little bleak out the back," Strauss added.

"I felt it was worth taking the odd risk to finish it.

"I'm feeling pretty confident. We've had enough bad times in those eight Test matches for me to realise it's not an easy game. You've got to work hard and this Test match was no different.

"We had to dig deep at times and we came out the other side and all credit to the boys for doing that."

Record-breaking

Captain Michael Vaughan hailed the character of his record-breaking players.

He lauded paceman Simon Jones who "made the difference" with his bowling display yesterday.

Vaughan said: "We haven't really thought about the eight victories.

"We just concentrated on the game here. We're delighted to go 1-0 up."

Now England are focusing on securing a ninth successive win in Durban, with the second Test beginning on Boxing Day.

"There's periods of play where we have played outstanding cricket and there's also areas where we need to improve for Durban," said Vaughan.

"There's been some outstanding individual performances in the match.

"Andrew Strauss was outstanding throughout the whole match and I thought Simon Jones' attitude and the way he bowled yesterday really turned the game for us.

"There was a period of play yesterday when the South Africans were beginning to get on top and Simon Jones made the difference.

"It shows the amount of character which is in our team."

England coach Duncan Fletcher was quick to turn his attention to the second Test.

"I'm very proud, the lads did a tremendous job," he said.

"We'll get on and make sure we win the series. We've got to make sure we get focused and work hard ready to start in Durban on Boxing Day," he said.